Daniel Estridge, 43, was jailed for five years and 10 months at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday after police discovered a converted Walther blank firing pistol hidden inside a slow cooker in his kitchen. The firearm was found alongside nine rounds of compatible 9x19mm Luger ammunition, and both were successfully test fired.
When officers executed a search warrant at Estridge's flat on Falkner Street in Liverpool's Georgian Quarter at around 7.30am on May 14 last year, they seized more than a kilogram of cannabis, valued at between £7,556 and £11,352, from glass jars, tubs and plastic bags in the living room. Cocaine weighing 4.45g at 75% purity, worth £191 to £441, was also recovered, with drug residues found on scales and packaging.
Cash and cannabis seized
A total of £25,360 in cash was found in one of two bedrooms. A picture on Estridge's mobile phone showed a Christmas tree decorated with bank notes. Following the discovery of the firearm, Estridge blurted out: "Ah, it was all a good mood in here until they found a pistol in the kitchen." His girlfriend immediately responded: "How do you know it's a pistol? They haven't said that. Be quiet and stop talking. That's what I've seen on the telly."
Estridge's DNA was recovered from the slide catch, side grips and magazine port of the weapon, with lower level traces on the hammer, rear sight, safety catch and magazine base. He has one previous conviction for assault occasioning actual bodily harm in 1998, when he was aged 15.
Defence highlights naivety
Anthony O'Donohoe, defending, told the court: "It is an unusual case in some ways. There is a huge gap in the defendant's offending behaviour. Although it would seem that the defendant has become involved in organised crime in some way, he is not, by his record at least, a lifetime professional criminal." He added: "Given the remark made when the firearm was discovered, your honour may think that there was an element of naivety, certainly not sophisticated behaviour, in what the defendant said or blurted out."
O'Donohoe noted that Estridge has 15 half siblings and a large family support network. He had caring responsibilities for his partner's mother and his maternal grandmother. While in custody, Estridge has engaged in education and assisted other inmates, aiming to better himself upon release.
Judge's stern warning
Sentencing, Judge Ian Harris said: "Guns kill and maim, terrorise and intimidate. That is why criminals want them. That is why they use them. Too many lethal weapons are too readily available. Too many are carried, too many are used, always with devastating effects on victims and with an insidious, corrosive impact on the wellbeing of the local community." He added: "The gun in this case had compatible live ammunition. It was a weapon that could be easily concealed and cause injury or death. You were looking after this weapon, and you have clearly handled it on occasions."
Estridge admitted possession of a prohibited weapon, possession of ammunition without a certificate, possession of cannabis with intent to supply, possession of criminal property and possession of cocaine. As he was led from the dock, supporters in the public gallery told him "we love you, we love you," and he waved goodbye to the judge.
